My name is Michael Gustafson, I am a Language Arts teacher at American University High School. I have been privileged to be a teacher in Shanghai for the past five years, and for ten years total so far in my career.

I am often asked what I like best about being a teacher, and my answer is always the same. I find it greatly rewarding to work with young people and witness “moments of understanding” – when a student’s mind grows because of an idea in my classroom.

To better prepare my students for a bright future in American universities, encouraging critical thinking is at the core of my lesson plan. I strive to prepare students to think for themselves, find meaning in what they read, use new vocabulary, and write in their own words. I want my students to find their voice – and use it to express themselves.

In my opinion, the most important skill needed to succeed in college in the United States is self-discipline; both academically and emotionally. For most college freshman, this will be the first time he or she has lived away from home. It is crucial for any student to possess self-direction on the path ahead.

To any prospective students of American University High School, I can offer some advice. Be prepared to experience learning like never before. Come with your whole self, open your mind and unlock your full potential.

我叫迈克尔 古斯塔夫森，是美高学校的英语老师。我共有十年的教学经验，其中五年是在上海。

经常有人问我，为什么喜欢做老师。我始终只有一种回答，那就是我非常喜欢与学生们在一起，见证他们不断学习成长的点点滴滴。

为了帮助我的学生们做好准备，使他们在美国的大学有一个光明的前景，我鼓励他们课堂上要有批判性思维。在阅读时，我鼓励学生学习新的词汇、从不同的角度来欣赏文章，并用自己的语言来概括大意，以培养他们的独立思考能力。我希望学生们能够将内心的声音表达出来。

我认为，在美国的大学，取得成功最重要的能力就是自律，不论是在学习中还是在课后生活中。对于大学新生而言，这是他们第一次远离家乡，而对任何学生来说，在前进的道路上能够自我指引是非常关键的。

对于每个想就读美高学校的学生，我都可以提供一些建议，以帮他们更好地体验从未有过的学习生活。在这里你将拓展思维、释放潜能，所以来体验吧！